January/February 2011

Optimum Wellness Magazine

Online Edition

Editors Letters

Happy New Year! January is an empowering time—so much good energy is radiated in the form of intention-making, goal-setting, and creative consciousness as we prepare to build the best year ever! And whether you desire greater vitality, a little less weight, a little more love, or abundance on all levels, you’re more likely to reach that happy place with discipline.

Don’t think of discipline in the sense of being daunting, heavy-handed, and punitive. Instead, consider discipline as the desire to be a student of your own life. To manifest your goals and live your intentions with success this year, simply study what makes you happy and what brings you the greatest peace and fulfillment.

You will notice in these most “enlightened” times that eating well, moving your body, and believing in yourself become a natural part of the discipline of your life. And this issue of Optimum Wellness can help. Just take one of our delicious, healthful recipes and try it in the name of well-being. Choose one of our simple, beneficial health tips and own it in the name of self-love. Find a pearl from one of our articles, share it with a loved one, and be a source of inspiration. This year make wellness your choice and spread the love!

James E. Rouse, ND

Every New Year’s Eve, my family sets aside time to make a list of goals for each of us individually and for our family as a whole. We also set a few intentions. You see, I believe there’s a difference.

Goals are fabulous. They’re dreams with a deadline. They’re something to strive for. They’re tangible. Intentions are more visionary. Intentions guide me through my thoughts and actions and allow me to make choices that align with my Spirit.

For example, an intention may be to eat more whole foods. A goal may be to eat seven servings of fruits and vegetables daily. An intention may be to run every day. A goal may be to run your first marathon before the end of the year. Here are my intentions for 2011: more kindness, less judgment; more meditation, less television; more yoga, less talking about doing yoga.

What will your intentions be for the days ahead? Whatever you decide, aim high. Be grateful for all that you are, and be mindful of that which you are becoming. Dare to be brilliant. Dare to shine!

Wishing you a magical New Year and a romantic Valentine’s Day,

Debra Rouse, ND

January 16, 2011